Multivac launches machine for packaging long food products
Processing equipment supplier Multivac is launching a vacuum chamber machine for packaging long food products, such as cylindrical sausages and certain types of whole fish.
The C 800 vacuum chamber machine is equipped with a 1.4m-wide chamber, making it the largest single-chamber machine in Multivac’s portfolio.
Ingo Renner, manager of Multivac’s chamber machines business unit, said the new equipment had been devised in response to current trends in meat processing.
“One trend, for example, is toward ever longer cylindrical sausages, which first require pre-packaging in order to protect them during in-house transport to the slicers.
‘Extra-long sausages’
“Our customers require especially long chambers of up to 1.4m in width in order to package the extra-long sausages.”
The C 800 was considerably wider than the next model down in Multivac’s portfolio, the C 500.
However, the company said the C 800 offered all the benefits of the C 500 as well: reliability and precision, hygienic design with proven stainless steel construction, high production speed and packaging security and flexibility.
In addition to the vacuum ‘quick-stop’ function on the machine, the C 800 also offers automatic progressive ventilation, ensuring sharp or pointed products do not destroy the film pouch during ventilation.
Sealing systems and vacuum pumps
Depending on the packaged ware and the packaging materials used, various sealing systems and vacuum pumps can be employed.
In order to further extend the shelf life of products, or to protect them against pressure points or similar danger areas, there is also the option of using modified atmosphere packaging. Typical inert gases used are nitrogen (N) or carbon dioxide (CO).
“Because this is a time-tested machine design, rapid implementation by the customer is ensured,” said Renner. “Users also remain very flexible, since not only large products but also several small products can be packaged as well.”
Multivac is displaying the new equipment at the trade show IFFA, which is running from May 4-9 in Frankfurt.
